This month I’m hosting a weekly challenge dedicated to our marriages. So every Thursday in March, I’ll post a brief reflection and a challenge for you to do. Don’t worry, I’m doing the challenge too! Check back the following week to hear about how I did. I’ll also have a new reflection and challenge for you.

Share how you do each week in the comment section! I’ll also be on Instagram using the hashtag #amonthforyourmarriage if you want to share there. I’d love for you to join in!  (Of course I totally want you just to do the challenges regardless of whether or not you share it with me. Mmkay?)

Praying together

If I had to say one thing that has strengthened our marriage more than anything, it’s praying together. We’ve always prayed together – even when we were engaged. Now I know what a blessing that was, and I’m so grateful we had that foundation from the very beginning.

But I know a lot of couples haven’t ever prayed together, or they’re not consistent with it. I know some people are married to someone who doesn’t go to church, much less pray. Even if that’s the case, it’s okay! You can still do it. Maybe starting a prayer life together will lead your spouse to having his/her own prayer life.

It can seem awkward, especially if you’ve never prayed together. But it’s just one of those things that you have to jump into and eventually you’ll wonder why you ever thought it was awkward in the first place. (Kind of like sex, actually…)

Find what works for you. Some couples pray the rosary together every night. That is not us…yet, at least (but we do pray the Rosary individually). Our main prayer time is usually right before we go to bed, and while it’s typically spontaneous prayer, sometimes we do other things like Evening Prayer (from Liturgy of the Hours), a Rosary, a chaplet, or whatever.

Some couples do better praying together in the morning though. Everyone is different! It might take some trial and error to figure out what works best for your marriage. Our prayer routine is certainly not fancy or extreme, but it works, and we’re consistent.

This week’s challenge

If you and your spouse don’t regularly pray together, pray together every single day this week. It can be short and simple – the important thing is that you do it! If you’re already in the habit of praying together, stretch yourselves a little or try something new. Maybe read some Scripture together too, or extend your prayer time by praying a Rosary. The possibilities are endless!

Things to remember:

• Studies show that couples who pray together are happier together and have lower rates of divorce
• Don’t wait for your spouse to initiate it (obviously, it’s best for the man to lead, but don’t let that be your excuse to not pray together!)
• Start small. An Our Father prayer or a simple “Jesus, help us to become better spouses to each other. Amen.” Progress as you feel comfortable!
• DON’T MAKE EXCUSES. Just do it!

We will be praying for all of you this week! Together 😉